Katie Boulter emerged victorious in a thrilling semifinal match against Emma Raducanu at the Nottingham Open, showcasing both her resilience and respect for her compatriot. The match, which spanned two days due to weather delays, saw Boulter recover from a set down to secure a 6-7 (13) 6-3 6-4 victory.
Boulter, the top-ranked British female tennis player and third seed in Nottingham, faced a tough challenge against Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion. Their encounter began on Sunday evening, with Raducanu clinching the first set after a grueling one hour and 20 minutes. The match resumed on Monday, with Boulter demonstrating her tenacity to complete a comeback victory in a marathon that lasted three hours and 13 minutes.
The final set was particularly intense, with Boulter twice taking the lead only for Raducanu to battle back each time. Serving for the match at 5-3, Boulter found herself at 30/0 before Raducanu launched a spirited fightback to break serve. However, Boulter maintained her composure and broke Raducanu in the crucial 10th game, securing her place in the final.
Reflecting on the match, Boulter humorously remarked, “I am going to need a defib because my heart rate is too high now.” She continued to praise Raducanu, saying, “What a match. What an incredible player. She’s only going to get better and better. She makes it so tough for you to close it out. I’m just so happy to get through today. I’m proud of myself.”
Katie Boulter after beating Emma Raducanu in Nottingham:
“What a match. What an incredible player. She’s only gonna get better and better. She makes it so tough for you to close it out. I’m just so happy to get through today. I’m proud of myself.”
“It’s been a really tough… pic.twitter.com/FOvX5Hm2Xl
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 16, 2024
For Raducanu, the loss was a narrow miss on reaching her first final since her historic US Open win in 2021. Despite the disappointment, the performance marked a positive start to her grass-court season. She will likely take some rest and then return to the practice courts in preparation for the Eastbourne tournament, which begins on June 24th.
Boulter’s victory not only highlights her current form but also underscores the depth of talent in British women’s tennis, with both players set to make significant impacts in the upcoming grass-court season.
Emma Raducanu in 2024
LLWWLWWWLW Now ranked no.165, Raducanu played her last match on the 16th of June when she was overcome by world no.31 Katie Boulter 6-7(13) 6-3 6-4 in the semifinal in Nottingham (draw).
Until now, during this year Raducanu achieved a compiled 11-8 match record. Emma Raducanu’s latest run in Nottingham was the best achievement of her season.
Katie Boulter in 2024
LWLLWWLLWL Currently the world no.31, the Brit played her last match on the 16th of June when she beat world no.42 Karolina Pliskova 4-6 6-3 6-2 in the final in Nottingham to win her 3rd career title.
Until now, during this year Katie owns an overall 21-10 win-loss record. The Brit has won 2 titles in 2024 in San Diego and Nottingham.
Katie Boulter will compete against the world no.47 Anhelina Kalinina in the 1st round on Tuesday at 5:00 pm on Ann Jones Centre Court. In the past, they have never played each other as of now in top competitions.
Katie has won 2 titles in 2024 in San Diego and Nottingham.
Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter clashed against each other only twice. Their actual record is 2-0 for Boulter. Previously, the last time they squared off, Katie Boulter won 6-7(13) 6-3 6-4 in the semifinal in Nottingham (Rothesay Open) on the 16th of June 2024.
In the video below you can watch the highlights.
Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter |
| Embed from Getty Images |
